FRANKFORT — State Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock announced Tuesday that Cindy James, who has worked in the offices of state auditor and attorney general, will become acting inspector general. The position became open with the recent firing of David Ray for no specified reason.

James also will be a special assistant to Hancock.

James, who is a Certified Public Accountant, worked 22 years in the auditor’s office. She was assistant state auditor under Crit Luallen from 2004 to 2011, directing an audit staff of 135 employees and overseeing production of 600 financial audits per year.

James began her state government career in the auditor’s office in 1980 and served in various roles through 1995, from public accounts auditor to assistant state auditor.

From 1996 to 2003 she was director of administrative services in the attorney general’s office.